Northern Lakes Fire District is proposing a two-year temporary levy to support firefighter staffing, response times and emergency-service coverage. The measure would replace the district’s existing annual temporary levy and run from Oct. 1, 2027, through Sept. 30, 2029.
Northern Lakes Levy Details
The proposed levy would raise $4.5 million annually, compared with $3.5 million under the current levy. The rate would increase from $28.98 to $35.88 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, or an additional $6.90 annually per $100,000.
Northern Lakes is one of Kootenai County’s fastest-growing fire districts. About 30% of the county’s growth is occurring within the district’s boundaries, while Rathdrum’s population has increased more than 43% since 2020.
Firefighter Staffing and Emergency Calls
Emergency calls have risen 40% since 2019, and the district expects nearly 7,000 responses this year. A fourth station is scheduled to open in 2027, but the new Garwood station will require staffing.
The district says rejecting the levy could eliminate 21 firefighter positions and reduce the number of staffed stations from three to two.
Firefighters, the union and district leadership have agreed to forgo pay raises this year. The proposed levy is intended to maintain staffing as emergency demand and service-area growth continue.
Tags: Kootenai County, Northern Lakes Fire District, local government, firefighter staffing